Summertime is here, and that means doing more outdoor activities with our dogs. Dogs love getting to explore outdoors, but sometimes that can lead to unwanted encounters with bee stings. Bee stings don’t happen as often as you would think, but when they do they can be severe and may need medical attention. Keep reading to learn how to prevent bee stings, reaction symptoms, and what to do if your dog is stung by a bee.
Preventing Bee Stings
Prevention is paramount when making sure your dog doesn’t get stung by a bee, but that doesn’t mean you have to avoid outdoor activities altogether. Here’s a list of ways you can prevent your dog from getting stung:
- Keep away from hives
- Avoid heavily flowered areas
- Keep your dog on-leash
- Use vinegar diluted with water as a natural repellent
- Use canine-specific bug spray
How To Tell Your Dog Has Been Stung By A Bee
Bee Sting Symptoms
Mild reactions can be treated at home. Symptoms include:
- Swelling at site of sting
- Warm to the touch
- Redness
- Itchiness
- Pain
Moderate reactions are a bit more serious, so you’ll definitely want to call your vet and closely monitor your dog. Symptoms include:
- Continued swelling that may spread
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
Severe reactions are more likely if your dog suffered multiple stings or has a bee allergy. Severe reactions to bee stings require immediate medical attention as symptoms can be life-threatening. Severe reactions include:
- Swelling around the head and neck
- Trouble breathing, or wheezing
- Excessive drooling
- Agitation
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Dizziness or disorientation
- Seizures
- Hives anywhere on the body
What To Do If Your Dog Is Stung By A Bee
Depending on the severity of your dog’s bee sting, you’ll either have to treat it at home, or take a trip to your vet or emergency clinic.
At Home
If your dog is experiencing mild to moderate reactions and can be treated at home, here’s what you should do:
- Find and remove the stinger. Don’t use a tweezer, as it can cause extra venom to squeeze out of the stinger.
- Soothe the sting with a thick paste of baking soda and water.
- Reduce swelling, discomfort, and pain using an ice pack.
- Prevent your dog from scratching the area.
- Consult your vet.
At The Vet
If you have to take your dog to the vet due to a severe reaction to a bee sting, they will start with a prophylactic Benadryl injection to counter the bee venom. The vet may want your dog to stay overnight for careful monitoring.
Stay safe and have a great Summer!
Written by Vincent M.
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